14 “But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; 15 the one on the housetop must not go down or enter to take anything from the house; 16 the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. 17 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved, but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. 21 And if anyone says to you at that time, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘Look! There he is!’—do not believe it. 22 False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be alert; I have already told you everything.
Prayer Focus: Jesus circles back again to the threat of false Messiahs and false prophets. Pray that you might not be led astray. Pray that others will recognize that these false Messiahs are not the answer to the suffering experienced by many. There is no denial that the suffering is great. The suffering in the world today is great. But do not put your trust in false Messiahs and prophets. Even if they claim that only they can save you – they cannot. Pray that you might endure, that you might believe, that you might trust all that Jesus has told you.
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